Downturn No Reason to Stop Climate Change Fight

World leaders must not let the economic downturn get in the way of the fight against climate change, Tony Blair told an energy conference. The former prime minister stressed the importance of acting now and said that a new global agreement was necessary.

"It is now, right now, at the instant when our thoughts are centred on the economic challenge that we must not set to one side the challenge of global warming, but instead resolve to meet it and put the world on a path to sustainable growth for the future."
Tony Blair, Former British Prime Minister

Mr Blair, who said the downturn should not be seen as an obstacle but an opportunity to combat climate change, also set out the terms of a new global agreement. He said interim targets were needed, obligations had to be shared fairly and that people should be ready to make practical simple steps instead of just technological advances.

Energy efficiency, he said could account for a quarter of the reductions necessary to avoid catastrophic climate change. The energy efficiency of existing houses has been highlighted by the Committee on Climate change as something that needs to be improved.

Insulation, double glazing, microgeneration and water saving are among the measures that can help homes become more energy efficient.

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